New Regional Managing Director for Azelis Benelux & France

Michel joins Azelis from Univar, where he was Managing Director Benelux.

This is a key appointment and his responsibilities will include driving the group strategy throughout the Benelux region and the delivery of each of the International Business Directors' commercial plans. He will also take ultimate accountability for the region’s financial results.

Michel comments: "I'm delighted to join the fastest growing company within the European specialty chemicals distribution industry. I look forward to the challenge of this demanding role and the opportunities it presents. As nothing is certain, everything is possible!"

Michel holds a Ph.D in Chemistry from the University of Louvain-la-Neuve and a marketing degree from INSEAD. Prior to joining Univar, he had gained extensive sales and marketing experience across different industries, with companies such as Air Products & Chemicals in UK, Specialty Gases in France and Roland-Vopak in Benelux.

Michel succeeds Rémi Magniere who has been managing director since 2003 and who played a significant role in the structural modernization of the company. Azelis will continue to rely upon his further support on specific projects until his retirement at the end of 2011.

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